The Old Eighteen plaque, which hangs outside the Mackenzie building was funded by the family of AGG Wurtele. The Royal Military College opened in June 1876 with its first class of 18 cadets (soon known as the " Old Eighteen").
The education provided was designed to prepare graduates for civil as well as military careers. Since 1880, when the first class of cadets graduated, ex-cadets have distinguished themselves in many areas.